INVESTING townships is to use data and digital technology to improve the quality of life of its residents , enable better decision making and to connect local communities with local government . Ultimately , the idea is to use Kayamandi as an innovation lab for townships and rural areas both across South Africa and the African continent .
Bushra Razack , the CEO of Philippi Village , a multi-purpose commercial park situated in the Cape Flats township of Philippi , cautions that although we should be using smart technology platforms to help people achieve a better life , the reality is that technology is not an answer by itself . “ The creation of community and business hubs like Philippi Village are a strategic and meaningful way to amplify the power of technology in an impactful , inclusive and relevant way ,” she says . The term ‘ Community ’ isn ’ t investigated deeply enough . Philippi Village is moving past simply informing or consulting community , we are attempting to foster a culture of collaboration without passive coercion and facilitating administration aspects that allow the community to build their own economies . Tech has been a tool for enslavement in the past . Philippi Village aims to consider this in its approach moving forward .
Philippi Village , which boasts world class fibre and wireless internet access , is currently exploring how to use IT and technology to become more efficient , including working with partner organisations Afrolabs and CoderLevelUp to help address the digital divide . Afrolabs is working closely with Philippi Village to better understand how technology and humanity work together . David Campey , the founder of Afrolabs , reveals that a QR-community solution is being rolled out to allow local residents to record participation levels in community activities . He explains that this has
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